I am not worthy

Greetings on this the Monday of the First Week of Advent
Readings: Is 4:2-6; Ps 122:1-2, 3-4b, 4cd-5, 6-7, 8-9; Mt 8:5-11
Notes: Such beautiful readings today with the focus on the loving care of the Lord!

No matter our starting point (friend, family, stranger, alien or foe), Jesus comes to save and bring fullness of life.

First reading
Then will the LORD create, over the whole site of Mount Zion and over her place of assembly, A smoking cloud by day and a light of flaming fire by night. For over all, the LORD’s glory will be shelter and protection: shade from the parching heat of day, refuge and cover from storm and rain.

Here Isaiah invokes memory of the Exodus and the divine protection and divine direction afforded as the Hebrews flee from oppression in Egypt.

The LORD preceded them, in the daytime by means of a column of cloud to show them the way, and at night by means of a column of fire to give them light. Thus they could travel both day and night. Neither the column of cloud by day nor the column of fire by night ever left its place in front of the people (Ex 13:21-22).

So also today.
“God does not love us because we are valuable. We are valuable because God loves us.” ~ Fulton J. Sheen

Responsorial Psalm
Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.

Alleluia Verse
Come and save us, LORD our God; let your face shine upon us, that we may be saved.

Gospel Portion
The Healing of a Centurion’s Servant.
The gospel portion: Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed.

The prayer we say before receiving the Lord Jesus in the Holy Eucharist in the Communion Rite: Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry